I'm for equality. But what starts out with good intentions often, in practice, ends up far from the goal. There are still a lot of back breaking jobs that men seem to do much better. They usually don't pay so well either.

"Sizemore, a former Republican nominee for governor, is a well-known political figure in Oregon. Most recently, he pleaded guilty to three felony counts of tax evasion and spent nearly three weeks in jail. "

And then there is the underground economy that flourishes in Oregon and every other state, too. And a lot of the participants are union members engaged in work "on the side." The jails would be overflowing if they caught everyone who is participating, or was claiming unemployment compensation at the same time. Just look the other way, Oregon lawmakers......

Conservative Christians volunteering in foreign countries is perhaps one of the most under reported phenomenon of recent decades. In fact, it's hard to avoid going to a "religious right" church and not being exposed to opportunities to take part in some short term volunteer trip, at least south of the border if not somewhere else in this world. This started as an adjunct to full time missionary service in the 1960's, and now is a routine experience. It's part of the overall $100 billion in foreign assistance that US citizens contribute to each years.

I know that there is a lot of disagreement between "progressivism" and "conservatism." Once you get to know people, you find that they have organized their lives and expenditures to accomplish their higher values, and react when there are demands from a differing viewpoint. So there is a lot of compassion, although it may not be so readily observable.

The DREAM Act presented to Congress in the last session was much too broadly written---can anyone guess why? Put it in reasonable terms and there might be a difference. Arguments for it, as it was written as a giveaway to a special interest group with political weight, frame opponents as antagonistic to our country's interests.

With all of the other expensive projects that this region is committing to it would be an absolute marvel if at least one of them failed to to be completed at the present budgeted cost(s). IMO, merely pointing out, as many of these mega project backers do, that Portland has "found a better way" doesn't address what our current economic realities are.

Government funded projects tend to get milked by contractors who have learned that the govt. is an easy mark.

Sure it's good to get people out of cars, since paying for roadway expansion isn't cheap either. However, there are new alternatives to our exponentially expensive MAX lines. Take a look at what Community Transit in Snohomish Co, WA has done. I don't know if replicating I-205 on Portland's west side would fly, but the fact that there has been a well supported call for a few decades for something out there shows that is not an insignificant idea. Can we defy conventional planning logic, that urban cores should be circumferenced with an interstate system that serves all suburban areas and keeps traffic out of the central city, forever? Portland's experiments haven't been bad but sooner or later we have to address the fact that this city is part of an entire interstate system.

"Put the project in context."
With the economic expansion plans in Washington County shouldn't something be done to facilitate the interstate travel needs of those job generating enterprises? Although not often heard in the clamor of those who want a solution to I-5 congestion the business community on Portland's west and southwest sides is VERY influential. I doubt that the CRC project would actually address their concerns, but if we want growth out there we also will have to come up with solutions. As far as tolling the present freeways the policy on tolling of interstates is one that comes under periodic review by the Congress. We can't assume that there is an automatic cash machine in the interstate system.

"Address safety efficiently."
There are, as studies have shown, very few accidents on the I-5 bridges. The accidents occur at intersections before the bridge...in both states. There have been some cost effective solutions to this advanced by knowledgeable experts.

"Move the shipping channel south, toward Oregon, and condemn the railroad bridge downstream."
So, does the railroad, which owns it, and AMTRAK get a say in this?

"Put light rail to Clark County in a tunnel."
Shouldn't Clark County make the decision as to whether they even want it? But, I s'pose if Boston could do it, we can, too! But then Boston isn't in as risky a seismic zone as we are.

Sam Adams' legacy, I think. I don't see anything wrong with people riding bikes; it's a cheaper alternative for some. Nevertheless this growing trend will probably ( and should) result in additional legislation for their own safety and for the peace of mind of motorists that many bicyclists will oppose as an intrusion into their rights. Already many of them seem to ignore the legal fact that their riding on public streets is regulated just as that of other vehicles. Lucky for them Portlanders are tolerant. Just because someone is utilizing a public street and has little to protect them from injury in an accident (where the cyclist may be at legal fault) doesn't mean that they ultimately have an advantage in court.

While the existing I-5 bridges are not up to current standards, they were built well, have a fair capacity and best of all they are paid for. There are a number of projects being advanced by activists and/or very experienced planners that could improve our overall transportation capacity. Some are for improved rail capacity or modest highway capacity. None of the serious proposals advanced ignores that Portland is innovative in transit planning. Yet the benefits of the CRC are very small when compared with the costs (many not presently acknowledged) and the disruption to exisiting commerce.

There are a number of cities in the US that share the same geographical circumstances as Portland: a major metropolitan area with a water barrier separating suburban communities. I don't think limiting any of those cities to two interstate crossings would even be entertained as a serious notion. Most have several.

What is being done to ensure that businesses locating to the evergrowing Silicon Forest area or adjoining communities in Washington Co have efficient access to the major trade route we have, the I-5 system? We need additional bridges over the Columbia, particularly to the west side since that is the fastest growing area. Take a look at the SmarterBridge.org and thirdbridgenow. websites

I don't think much of this viaduct. It is unnecessarily bumpy, which shows that it was poorly surveyed and laid out. The architectural portals on the sidewalks are gruesome looking. Finials on this type of thing don't need to look like something corpses would be impaled upon or KKK hats. Also, why not use the beautiful---yet mass produced---double lamp Old Portland Streetlights. They are unique to our city---a signature "Portland" piece---and could be used in strategic places, like bridges, to maintain the historic ambiance.

We need to get busy in the Oregon legislature and enact new laws that protect everyone---mandatory lighting, helmets, registration and even insurance for bicyclists. With the growth of the bicycling phenomenon, both they and the public deserve needed protections. A different era requires a different look into regulation.

I saw an older gentleman at the Kaiser Sunnybrook Clinic who had a cap that said "World War II Veteran." I touched his arm and thanked him as he came by. I will bet throughout the new PC Portland we are living in, most other people just ignore the great thing he did for all of us.

I saw an older gentleman at the Kaiser Sunnybrook Clinic who had a cap that said "World War II Veteran." I touched his arm and thanked him as he came by. I will bet throughout the new PC Portland we are living in, most other people just ignore the great thing he did for all of us.

The Portland Public Schools have lots of programs and literature that I find objectionable. I want equal access to provide different viewpoints. I also don't think we need a High School named after Benjamin Franklin. He was an unrepentant hedonist and really a poor example, at least morally, for high school age students.

1. The Occupy Portland crowd wants 'green jobs"
2. Reforestation is a "green job" and an excellent way to stay healthy and fit.
3. Pineros and Campesinos so-called 'union' (not NLRA recognized) supplies workers in this field instead
4. Occupy Portland people think that their college degree entitles them to managerial level work, not manual work, even though the latter is far better exercise. The AFL-CIO wants the foreign tree planters to stay, too, hoping eventually to get more members.
5. If Occupy Portland people actually took those tree planting jobs they wouldn't be in bicycling distance from a downtown brew pub. They also might associate with small town or rural Oregonians.
6. People get angry at the companies for hiring non-Americans and exploiting loopholes. What about the other facilitators to the foreign workers, or to younger people themselves who turn up their noses at such work?

I know that someone who comes in contact with hundreds of members of the public each day does open themselves up to the potential for complaints from a large number of people. I know that this person is represented under a collective bargaining agreement which is a legally binding contract. I know that inconsequential stories circulate all over the world and the internet and that humans are often not interested in the most serious and relevant information. I know that a huge number of people, thanks to the media, know what this driver looks like. I used Tri Met about two months ago and would use it frequently if I needed to.

If Tri Met has to put up with obnoxious sewer mouths like you, actions like this would be understandable.